Is William Contreras the Best Catcher in Baseball?

Is Contreras the Best Catcher in MLB?

Combine Adley Rutschman's prospect pedigree with his immense value to the Orioles, and it’s clear why he was unanimously ranked as Just Baseball’s No. 1 catcher heading into the season.

However, no catcher has posted better offensive metrics since the beginning of the 2023 season than William Contreras. In terms of fWAR, he has been baseball’s most valuable catcher over the past two seasons and continues to improve his overall game.

Considering the defensive strides he has made since joining the Milwaukee Brewers and his offensive ascension, it might be time to recognize William Contreras as the best catcher in Major League Baseball.

This post by Joey Peterson appeared first on Just Baseball.

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Hot Start Puts Him in Conversation

William Contreras has emerged as one of the top offensive players in baseball this season. In his first 47 games, Contreras ranks fourth in MLB for doubles (13), third in hits (62), second in on-base percentage (.407), and first in runs scored (40).

Combining his elite offensive output with his strong defensive performance, Contreras has been the most valuable catcher in baseball this season. He leads all major league catchers with a 2.6 fWAR. 

Contreras sets the gold standard for offensive production. He leads all catchers in wRC+ (180), wOBA (.428), batting average (.332), on-base percentage (.407), and OPS (.931). Additionally, he tops the position with 37 RBIs and has scored 40 runs, 14 more than the next closest player.

Contreras has not only been elite this season but has also been the most valuable catcher since he assumed the full-time role for the Brewers last year. Since the start of the 2023 season, he boasts an fWAR of 8.3, the highest among catchers. 

While Contreras has improved defensively, his standout offensive performance sets him apart. Dating back to Opening Day 2023, no catcher has been a bigger threat at the plate. His ability to hit for both contact and power at an elite level makes him a lethal hitter, ranking first in many major offensive metrics.

His exceptional approach and ability to adapt his swing to different situations have enabled Contreras to take another offensive leap forward this season.

What Makes Him Pop

Contreras' ability to adjust his swing based on the game situation and pitch count is a rare talent, making him an exceptional hitter. Whether he shortens his swing to make contact or showcases his elite bat speed for a home run, he can inflict damage in multiple ways.

Contreras has power to all fields and uses a comprehensive approach at the plate. His 2024 spray chart highlights his success in hitting the ball to all parts of the field. This success stems from a disciplined approach that has improved throughout his career. This season, he's chasing pitches at a career-low rate of 23.8%, reducing his chase rate each year.

Thanks to better pitch selection, Contreras has cut his strikeout rate to a career-best 18.4% while increasing his walk rate to a career-high 11.2%. As a result, he's getting on base at an elite rate and hitting an impressive .359 through 196 plate appearances.

Additionally, Contreras has improved his power output while maintaining a disciplined approach. His hard-hit rate is an outstanding 60.3%, third in baseball.  His average exit velocity of 94.4 mph is in the top two percent of the league.

With 13 doubles and seven homers, his 21 total extra-base hits rank tenth in the majors and second among catchers. His Isolated Power has increased by 25 points from last season, now sitting at .194.

Contreras is a challenging out for any pitcher. He excels against all types of pitches, handles pitches throughout the strike zone, and is effective against both righties and lefties. This versatility has made him one of the game’s most well-rounded hitters, making it hard to find a weakness in his approach.

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Which Catchers are in the Conversation?

When discussing who might be the top catcher in baseball, Adley Rutschman and Will Smith are frequently mentioned, and for good reason.

Smith has a much longer track record than both Rutschman and William Contreras, which adds to his value. Over the past several seasons, Smith has consistently been one of the top offensive catchers and has shown continuous improvement as a defender.

Likewise, Rutschman has been highly successful since reaching the major leagues. Like Smith, he is one of the top offensive catchers in the sport and has also provided strong defense throughout his young career.

Is Contreras the Best Catcher in MLB?

Combine Adley Rutschman's prospect pedigree with his immense value to the Orioles, and it’s clear why he was unanimously ranked as Just Baseball’s No. 1 catcher heading into the season.

However, no catcher has posted better offensive metrics since the beginning of the 2023 season than William Contreras. In terms of fWAR, he has been baseball’s most valuable catcher over the past two seasons and continues to improve his overall game.

Considering the defensive strides he has made since joining the Milwaukee Brewers and his offensive ascension, it might be time to recognize William Contreras as the best catcher in Major League Baseball.

This post by Joey Peterson appeared first on Just Baseball.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.